The Dos and Don’ts for Thanksgiving Table Scraps

It is easy to give table scraps to our dogs and cats after the Thanksgiving meal. It is not advisable to offer table scraps to pets on a regular basis but Thanksgiving can be an exception if you follow the recommendations below:

Set aside a small amount of turkey and sprinkle it over your dog’s or cat’s normal food for several meals.

Allow your pet to have a small bowl of cooked vegetables or raw vegetables.

Add a small amount of mashed potatoes to their food.

Let them have a small bite of pumpkin pie or canned pumpkin.

Split a dinner roll with them.

Do NOT allow your dog or cat to eat any of the following from Thanksgiving dinner:

Onions

Garlic

Turkey Bones

Raisins or Grapes

Chocolate

Ham (which can be very hard for pets to digest)

Be sure to give your dog or cat only a small amount of the approved table scraps above. Avoid high fat foods because they can cause pancreatitis. If your pet has food allergies—be sure to adhere to their normal diet only.

Remember—if you have a pet emergency—the Emergency Clinic of the Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia is open 24/7 365 days per year including holidays to take care of your dog or cat. Our new state-of-the-art Emergency Clinic has a hospital design complete with ICU, oxygen cage, all new equipment, and more. Our number is 703.361.8287.